Keremeos Review, August 06, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

THE www.keremeosreview.com PM Agreement #40012521

Review

We acknowledge the ﬁnancial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage

Vol.17

Number 32

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Serving the communities of Keremeos, Cawston, Okanagan Falls and Kaleden

New water restrictions in place

Kars Under the K

Stef Laramie

It was another successful year for Kars Under The K. The show and shine celebrated its 14th year. Find more photos and a list of some of the winners on page 8 of this week’s edition.

New doctor might be on horizon Review Staff

A new doctor might soon be in at the Keremeos Diagnostic and Treatment Centre. Interior Health officials are releasing few details but have confirmed they are in advanced talks with at least one family doctor that would like to practice in Keremeos. “There is a physician who has verbally indicated the desire to start practicing in the community of Keremeos. Arrangements to formalize an agreement are being made. When we have further information, we will make sure to share it with the community,” Dr. Curtis Bell, Interior Health’s executive medical director of community and residential services stated in an email to the Review Tuesday afternoon. It is unknown when a formal agreement between the doctor and Interior Health might be agreed upon or when the doctor

$1.15 including GST

would start. The news that a new full-time doctor might be on the horizon should come as a relief for many as the community has been struggling with only three doctors at the centre since the start of 2015. After many years of service Dr. Gerald Partridge retired at the end of 2014. Adding to the challenge was the announcement this spring that Dr. Michael Biggs, another longterm doctor, would follow suit and retire in September. Interior Health has been in talks with the municipality and other stakeholders about ways to improve chances of attracting new physicians. As part of ongoing initiatives, Keremeos Dr. Johan Boshoff recently attended a doctor recruitment fair in Penticton earlier this summer. Interior Health is in deep discussions

with a potential new doctor in Keremeos.

The Keremeos Irrigation District announced increased water restrictions about a week after the province designated the area in a Level 4 Drought rating. “In response to the Level 4 drought rating by the Province and the near record low stream flows for the Similkameen, the Keremeos Irrigation District advises its customers that Stage 2 water restrictions are in effect until further notice,” a Tuesday morning press release from the KID stated. Under the new restrictions daytime watering is no longer allowed. Residents may only water between the night time hours of 7 p.m. to mid-morning at 10 a.m. The same rules apply for residential properties in regards to watering on the calendar days corresponding with the physical street address. Even numbered houses water on even days, odd on odd. The District also requires that its agricultural customers reduce their water consumption by a minimum 30% under the Provinces request. Properties 2 acres or more in size in the Agricultural Land Reserve with a district irrigation connection and appropriate flow restrictor and who meet the farm status classification with BC Assessment Authority are exempt from these restrictions for watering their commercial crops only. Underground irrigation systems on an automatic timer shall be permitted to water between the hours 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. only on the calendar days corresponding with their odd or even street addresses. The number of sprinklers which may operate during the permitted hours based on the size of the property are as follows: 0 - .25 acres - 1 sprinkler 26 - .50 acres - 2 sprinklers 51 - .75 acres - 3 sprinklers 76 - 100 acres - 4 sprinklers Those found not to comply with the restrictions could face a fine. At Level 4 drought rating, conditions are extremely dry. Further declines in stream, lake and aquifer levels could lead to water shortages and affect people, industry such as agriculture, wildlife, and fish stocks. All water users, including those who access groundwater, are urged to maximize their water conservation efforts.

A 2 www.keremeosreview.com Thursday, August 6, 2015 The Review COMMUNITY

Community Calendar

Are you a non-proﬁt organization? Do you have a community fundraiser coming up? Can we help get the word out? Call the Review today to have your event listed in the events section or the calendar section FREE OF CHARGE. Call 499-2653 Space is limited to time sensitivity, 1st come, 1st served & no guaranteed placements. OKANAGAN FALLS

2nd MON: Communities for Kids OK Falls Table Mtg., 2:45 pm at StrongStart Early Learning Ctr., 250-498-8433 for more info. TUESDAY: South Okanagan Toastmasters 7 - 9 p.m. at Best Western in Osoyoos. Call 498-4412, 499-2144. TUESDAY: Bingo at the Senior Citizenís Centre on Willow St. 1p.m. (except last Tues.). 3RD TUESDAY: Legion Branch #227 Gen Meeting 7 p.m. Jack Hill Room, OK Falls. WED. & SAT.: Carpet Bowling 1 p.m. Seniorís Centre. WEDNESDAY: Join the Stroke Recovery Club for stroke survivors and caregivers, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society ofﬁce, #2-996 Main Street, Penticton..Call Tina at 490-0613. 1st WEDNESDAY: OK Falls Legion - Ladies Auxiliary General Meeting 1:00 p.m., Jack Hill Room, OK Falls. 3rd WEDNESDAY: OK Falls Womens Institute meeting, Falls Community Centre. Call Betty for more info - 497-6665. THURSDAY: Bridge 1 p.m. Seniors Centre. THURSDAY: Crib 7 p.m. Seniors Centre. THURSDAY: Computer classes 9 a.m. Seniorís Centre. FRIDAY: Arts group painting 1- 3 p.m. FRIDAY: Whist 7 p.m. 2ND & 4TH FRIDAY: A Wellness Clinic is held at the Seniors Centre, on Willow Street, 9 to 11 a.m. Have your blood pressure, heart and weight checked by a retired registered nurse. Open to everyone. 1st FRIDAY: OK Falls Legion - Ladies Auxiliary Dinner and Entertainment 6:00 p.m. After the Meat Draw. 3rd FRIDAY: OK Falls Legion Ladies Auxiliary Steak Fry Dinner 6:00 p.m. After the Meat Draw. FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS: The Okanagan Falls Legion Branch #227 has meat draws from 5:00 p.m. SATURDAY: OK Falls Legion Branch #227, Dinner and Dance 6:00 pm. 1st SATURDAY: Ladies Auxiliary Branch #227. Drop in Bingo 1-4 p.m. Jack Hill Room. OK Falls. 3rd SATURDAY: Drop in bingo at OK Falls Senior Centre. 1128 Willow St.

KEREMEOS

MONDAY: N.A. meets at 8 p.m. at the South Similkameen Health Centre. MONDAY: Keremeos Bellringers, 7:30 pm, Cawston United Church, for info call Herma @ 499-5292, Joan @ 499-2450. 2nd MONDAY: Similkameen COPS, 7 p.m., Upstairs at the Legion (Legion Hall). Ben Gumm for info 499-0216 4th MONDAY: Orchard Haven - Friends and family council monthly meetings. Making a difference to residential care. MON, WED, FRI: Boot Camp 6 - 7 am, Sim. Rec. Centre. For more info call Annette 499-2238 TUESDAY: Tumble Bumble, 10:00 - 11:30 am upstairs at the Legion Hall. AGes 0-6. For info 250-499-2352 ext. 106. TUESDAY: Every 2nd, Caregiver Group, Activity Room, Orchard Haven 1:30 - 3 p.m. For info 499-3020 TUESDAY: AA Meetings, 7:30 p.m., in the Health Center Activity Room, info call Diane 499-1177 TUESDAY: Handguns 5:30 pm Fly Tying/22 Shoot, 7 pm, KCSA (KCSA) Club House. More info call 250-499-7027. WEDNESDAY: Mother Goose 10:00-11:30 am, Strong Start at Cawston Primary. Ages 0-6. For info 499-2352 ext. 106. WEDNESDAY: Qigong exercise 9 a.m. Cawston Church Hall. 499-7852 for information. WEDNESDAY: Kyokushin Karate at Legion Hall from 5 - 7 p.m. Phone Lyle for info 292-8565. WEDNESDAY: Diabetes Clinic, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Similkameen Health Centre. RN & Reg. Dietitian in attendance. Dr. referrals or self referral. Appts. necessary. Phone 1-800-707-8550. WEDNESDAY: Keremeos Search & Rescue meetings, 7 pm, little brown building behind the Village Ofﬁce. 1st THURSDAY: South Similkameen Museum Society Meeting, 7 pm, at the Ecumenical Church in Keremeos THURSDAY: Tumble Bumble, 3:00 - 4:30 pm upstairs at the Legion. Ages 0-6. For info 250-499-2352 ext. 106. THURSDAY: Positively Pregnant, 10:00 - 11:30 am at the Family Centre. For info 250-499-2352 ext. 106. THURSDAY: AA meetings at 7:30 pm Health Centre activity room. Info. call Eleanor 499-5982. THURSDAY: KCSA Monthly meetings the last Thursday of each month at clubhouse 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Afternoon dances at the Keremeos Seniors Centre from 1:30 - 4 p.m (starts in October). Whist 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm THURSDAY: Similkameen Adult Badminton Club, Oct. 16th to Dec. 18th, 7 pm to 9 pm, For more info call Manfred at 499-5290. THURSDAY: Weight Watchers, 5 pm, Elks Hall. More info call Sarah at 250-499-2878. THURSDAY: Learning about Stroke by the SOSBI. FREE Starting April 24th. Call 250-490-0613 for more information. FRIDAY: Keremeos TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 9:00 a.m. at the Health Centre. Call Georgina at 499-0202 FRIDAY: Elks and Royal Purple bingo. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Keremeos Seniors Centre Bingo, 1:00 pm. - THURSDAYS until October. SUNDAY: KCSA Trap Shooting, 11:00 am to ?, Weather permitting. SUNDAY: AA Meeting at 10:00 am in the Health Center Activity Room. Info call Eleanor at 499-5982. 3RD SUNDAY: Legion General Meeting. 2:00 p.m. Keremeos Legion Hall. 3rd MONDAY: Kars Under the K Meeting, 7:00 pm, Meeting Room at Health Center, Call Marcel Morin for info 499-7775. 2nd TUESDAY: Can-Do General Meetings. Everyone Welcome. Phone 499-2420 for more information. 1ST WEDNESDAY: Regular meeting of the Keremeos Seniors Centre, at 2 p.m. Keremeos. 1ST & 3RD WEDNESDAY: Search & Rescue meet 7-9 p.m., 8th Ave. & 4th St. Call 499-6067 or 499-5429. 2ND WEDNESDAY: The Similkameen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. at the Keremeos Seniors Centre, 2ND AND 4TH THURSDAY: The Royal Purple Lodge meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Elks Hall. Info: 499-7073. LAST THURSDAY: KCSA Club meeting. 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAY: The Keremeos Elks meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Elks Hall. 1ST SUNDAY: Jam Session. Keremeos Seniors Centre. 1 p.m. Everyone Welcome. Starts in September. 499-0112.

Keremeos Cawston Food Bank

You’re invited: Sunday, Aug. 9th 7 - 9 pm (Drop in) at the Keremeos Fire Hall

2334 Newton Road, Cawston OPEN August 20th

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

If you did not re-register in March you must register in April. Everyone must bring ID and proof of residency. 250-501-1010

Help us wish Téa Hartfield good luck at the BC Ambassador Pageant taking place August 11 - 15 in Merritt, BC. Tea/Coffee/Juice and goodies will be served. You still have time to vote for her for the People’s Choice Award!

~ No Registration or AGM Notices ~

MEAT DRAW

at the Keremeos Legion Sunday, August 9th 2:00 to 4:00 pm Proceeds donated to Residents of Orchard Haven and River Valley Lodge.

Did you know?

Perseid Meteor Shower Event at Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory August 12, 2015 7:15 pm to 10:45 pm

The public is invited to come and enjoy the Perseid meteor shower at 717 White Lake Rd. south of Kaleden, BC. Admission is free. Bring a blanket or lounge chair to watch for meteors in comfort. Dress warmly. For more information call 250-497-2300.

A hippo can open its mouth wide enough to fit a 4 foot tall child inside!

The Okanagan Falls Branch 101 - 850 Railway Lane Ph: (250)497-5886

There is always lots going on at the library. Check it out to see what free activities are coming up!

HEDLEY

TUESDAY: Once a month Soup and Sandwich. Hedley Seniors’ Center on Scott Ave. THURSDAY: Library 2 pm - 7 pm Hedley Seniors’ Center, free computer use. 1ST MONDAY: Hedley Heritage Museum meeting, 6:00 p.m. at the Museum, Everyone welcome to attend. 2ND SUNDAY: Pancake Breakfast, Hedley Seniors’ Center, 8:00 am to 10:00 am. 3RD MONDAY: Monthly meeting at Seniors’ Center, 2 pm. 3RD MONDAY: Community Club meeting at 7 pm at the Club. DAILY: Coffee & good conversation at the Seniors’ Center 6:30 am - 8 am. Every Mon./Wed./ Sat. Exercise at 9 am. SUNDAY: Church Service at 9:30 am, Hedley Grace Church. SUNDAY: Hedley Farmers Market 9-1, July - Oct. DAILY: Hedley Heritage Museum open daily 9am - 4pm, Daly Ave. TUESDAY & THURSDAY: Exercise at 9:00 am.

NEWS

The Review Thursday, August 6, 2015

www.keremeosreview.com A 3

Despot’s donate $30,000 to hospital project

Walter and Barbara Despot’s ties to the Similkameen Valley go back more than 50 years. Now the well-known Keremeos couple are donating $30,000 to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation’s $20-million campaign to provide medical equipment for the new Patient Care Tower at Penticton Regional Hospital. The Despots moved to Keremeos in 1964 when Walter took over ownership of Keremeos Pharmacy, a business he ran until 1998. He would later turn to municipal politics, including a nine-year stint as mayor from 2002 to 2011. Walter became a director with the SOS Medical Foundation in 1998 and is now serving his second year as board chair. “I’ve been in the health industry all my life with pharmacy,” he said. “I think this is really just another facet of health care.” Back in 1998, Keremeos was about to construct a new Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, for which it needed fundraising help from the Foundation. “I volunteered to take a director’s position on this board and I’ve been here ever since,” he said. Barbara Despot said she and Walter didn’t hesitate to step forward with their own donation. “We’re fine with that,” she said, “because we can.” Barbara added no donation

should ever be considered too small. Walter agreed their contribution was a no-brainer and he feels most other residents in the Similkameen will support the campaign as well. “They know this is their hospital, so I’m expecting a good buy-in,” he said. “I believe in the program and I believe in the Foundation.” Walter predicts community support for the Patient Care Tower campaign will take off throughout the region following the start of construction of the $325-million hospital expansion in early 2016. “Twenty million dollars is a lot of money that we’re committed to raising,” he said. “But I think once the shovel goes in the ground, we’ll find an awful lot of our local citizens who will say: ‘Hey, we’re really going to get this. I’d better step on board – they’re really going to need my help.’” Walter also served as chair of the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District board from 2004 to 2011. The regional district is contributing $122 million to the PRH tower, representing 40 per cent of total construction costs. Reserve funds for the project are now close to $35 million and should reach $54 million by the end of 2018. Most of the regional district’s remaining local share will be borrowed. The province is contributing 60 per cent of construction costs through a public-private sector part

Submitted

Barbara and Walter Despot recently donnated $30,000 to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation’s $20-million campaign.

nership. Interior Health expects to select its private sector partner for the PRH project in early 2016. The tower will include new surgical rooms, 84 single-patient rooms, ambulatory care clinics and other facilities. A second construc-

tion phase will see the hospital’s current front lobby and adjacent offices become part of an enlarged Emergency Department – almost four times the size of the existing emergency room. The project is scheduled to be completed by the

Council showing signs of tension Tara Bowie Review Staff

A discussion about enforcing an outdated sign bylaw turned tense as Mayor Manfred Bauer called out councillor Jason Wiebe for what he described as a “completely inappropriate comment.” A report outlining challenges of enforcing the village’s current sign and canopy bylaw and the need for an update was brought to council Tuesday night. During discussions, council heard that the Ministry of Transportation discontinued a pilot project it designed for the South Okanagan with regards to roadside signage restrictions and enforcement. The pilot project was discontinued as enforcement proved too cumbersome for the ministry, council heard. During the roundtable, Wiebe made mention of his concern and frustration that higher levels of government were not held accountable for seeing projects through. He made specific reference to the Agriculture Land Reserve not enforcing regulations about an established fruit stand and restaurant that he thought was building a hotel just outside of the village’s boundaries. “We have have been told the ALR can’t do anything about it,” Wiebe said. Mayor Bauer quickly asked that those comments be clarified to not include council as a whole and asked who he had heard it from. “We haven’t been told anything so I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to talk for all of council,” Bauer said. Wiebe took ownership of his comments about the development just outside of Keremeos but declined to provide infor-

end of 2019. For more information about the tower campaign, contact the SOS Medical Foundation office at 250492-9027 or visit their website at www.sosmedicalfoundation.com.

8th Annual Summer Theatre Camp for Kids at Keremeos Grist Mill

mation about how he had heard the ALR longer enforce any of the current restrictions regarding signs in the village. was not following up on complaints. He continued to vent about higher levStaff will investigate and prepare a els of government not following through report with recommendations about the on regulations. “This is an issue. Things are not carried bylaw for council to vote on during an upcoming council meeting. through,” he said. He suggested the village write a letter to the Ministry of Transportation about the pilot sign enforcement project. Bauer said Regional District FOOT CARE CLINIC Okanagan-Similkameen, which includes Keremeos, has already 9 til Noon, Monday to Friday sent a letter. August 24 - 28 Following the council meeting, For ages 9 to 14 years. Bauer still heated about Wiebe’s Register before August 19th comments asked to speak to the Review to ensure it was underat 250-499-2352 Loc. 107. stood the new council member was only speaking for himself and Registration is free. Ask about age $25 Fee not the rest of council. exceptions. Parents and teen volunteers With Foot Care Thur. Aug 27 & Fri. Aug 28 Bauer said he had not heard of Nurse Lesli are welcome. Call for an appointment any formal complaints being filed Lorinez 250-499-5543 2015 Summer Theatre to the Agriculture Land Reserve Camp for Kids hosted by The Keremeos Grist Mill 526 - 7th Avenue, about the development outside and Gardens in Partnership Keremeos with Similkameen Family of town and that he understood Lower Similkameen Literacy and funded by 250-499-5543 the building would be a packing Community Services Society British Columbia Gaming. house and include housing units for farm workers. “This was councillor Wiebe’s personal opinion. The Mayor challenged him and he wasn’t able to provide answers of where he heard it from,” he said. “I’ve heard of no official comMusic, Meditation and Entertainment plaints (against the development) or anything.” Come by and enjoy the festivities! Despite tense moments around the table, council voted unaniNow Open: 8 am - 7 pm, Fri - Mon 1217 Hwy 3A, Keremeos mously to direct staff to review the 250-499-9271 www.treetome.ca 9 am - 5 pm, Tues - Thurs bylaw and while doing so to no

Lavender Festival Saturday, August 8th

OPINION

A4 www.keremeosreview.com

THE

Thursday, August 6 2015 The Review

PuBlisHED THuRsDAys By

Review

in Keremeos & Okanagan Falls 605 7th Avenue, Keremeos BC Box 130, Keremeos BC V0X 1N0 website: www.keremeosreview.com email: editor@keremeosreview.com Phone: 250-499-2653 Fax: 250-499-2645

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Publications Mail Agreement No. 4002521

ANDREA DEMEER Associate Publisher

TARA BOWiE Editor

TAMMy HARTFiElD Production

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Bare chests bring RCMP confusion

It’s OK for a man to bare his chest on a hot summer day. And it’s OK for a woman to bare her chest on a hot summer day. Most of Canada may not be as accustomed to seeing the latter, and some may disagree. But a 1996 appeal court ruling granted women the right to bare their breasts in public. That decision was supported by the B.C. Supreme Court in 2000, though it drew the line at fully nude sunbathing. Yet, a police officer in Kelowna told a young mother, bathing topless at a beach with a friend the other week, to cover up. And three sisters in Ontario, while riding their bikes topless in a residential area recently, were stopped by police and told to put shirts on. The Mohamed sisters are now filing a complaint against the Waterloo police force and organizing a rally in support of their rights this Saturday. Police are allowed to ask women to cover their chests if there have been complaints or if children are nearby. But would they ask the same of a man? It seems odd today to have such hangups about public nudity, given what we can see on TV or online at any time. Of course, public nudity shouldn’t be sexual in nature, and one must keep deviants in mind. But if a woman wants to take her shirt off on a hot summer day, just to tan, who is a police officer to tell her she can’t? Women’s breasts are so sexualized that their primary function is lost on many. It’s time we get over that. This is no longer a morality issue, but one of equal rights. And common sense. It’s time for police to bare some. -Black Press

We want your letters Do you feel strongly about an issue? Do you want to let people know what you think? A letter to the editor is a written way of talking to a newspaper and its readership about issues that matter to you. Letters take a position for or against an issue, or simply inform, or both. They can convince readers by using emotions, or facts, or emotions and facts combined. Letters are a great way to increase awareness of the issues that you or your organization are working for, as well as to advocate for causes you care about. To submit a letter to the editor for consideration email editor@keremeosreview.com.

Prospects for B.C.’s biggest investment VICTORIA – Now that the political back-andis not reasonable or economically practical to do so, forth is over, there are two questions left about the use labour available within Western Australia.” Petronas-led proposal to make the biggest privateObviously there were no job guarantees, which sector investment in B.C. history. could only exist in a command economy, in other Will it actually happen? And is it a good deal or words a communist dictatorship. a bad one? Everyone agrees that specialized trades such as Premier Christy Clark ducked the first question on welding alloys for low-temperature operation will the day the project agreement for Pacific Northwest be brought in. And LNG processing trains will be LNG was approved by the B.C. legislature. shipped in pre-fabricated from places like South TOM FLETCHER “After many predictions about the Canucks and Korea, as they have been in Australia and elsewhere. the Alberta election, I don’t make predictions any Pacific Northwest LNG is on record with federal more,” Clark said. “But I can say that this project regulators that in the latter stages of construction, the has gone farther than any of our critics said that it use of foreign labour for the project could reach 70 would.” per cent. Does that make it a bad deal? For what it’s worth, my prediction is on record: it will go ahead. Perhaps B.C. could attempt develop this expertise from the The latest evidence is the company’s continued, costly effort to ground up. It seems to me that was tried with aluminum ship fabgain federal and local approval for a suspension bridge to Lelu rication, and it didn’t work out too well. Island to minimize the marine impact. Lax Kw’alaams Band memFor David Keane, president of the B.C. LNG Alliance, the bers could not have had details on that change from an underwater question is how many large LNG projects, pipelines and all, can be pipeline when they voted to oppose the project in May. managed at the same time as the Site C dam is being built. It was Is it a good deal? The mayors of Prince Rupert and Port Edward skilled labour shortages, and particularly a shortage of supervisors, have made their views clear – they see it as a lifeline for an area that caused Australia to lose some of its proposed projects. that has struggled for years with a faded forest and fishing industry. Keane said all LNG proponents here want to use as much local The B.C. NDP is also now clear, having voted against the proj- labour as they can, because it’s less expensive and it builds local ect agreement in the brief summer session of the legislature that support. And he disagrees that B.C. is a sweet deal for the industry. concluded last week. Whether the project proceeds or not, this will Among other things, pipelines have to be built across two mounbe a key election issue in 2017. tain ranges. NDP leader John Horgan and other MLAs made much of the Not only that, B.C. producers would pay an LNG income tax, lack of job guarantees, pointing to similar projects in Australia. which is a first in the history of the industry. Add to that PST, GST, Natural Gas Development Minister Rich Coleman issued a payroll taxes, municipal taxes and federal and provincial corporate statement with excerpts from the state of Western Australia’s income taxes. Add aboriginal revenue sharing, and we have a deal. agreement for the Gorgon LNG project. The so-called guarantees Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black contain qualifiers like this: “... except in those cases where … it Press. Twitter: @tomfletcherbc Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca

BC Views

The Keremeos Review is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith,B.C. V9G 1A9 For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to the website at www.bcpresscouncil.org. This publication reserves the right to refuse any material—advertising or editorial—submitted for publication and maintains the sole right to exercise discretion in these matters. Submissions by columnists and guest writers do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper. All material contained herein is copyright.

NEWS

The Review Thursday, August 6, 2015

www.keremeosreview.com A 5

An emergency in the wilderness forces everyone to dig deep Art Martens livingsignificantly.ca

When Al got a fish hook in the white of his eye on the Bowron Lakes Circuit in central B.C., our expedition needed to respond quickly to an unexpected and difficult challenge. Nightfall was only two hours away and we were in a remote wilderness with no means of calling for help. For me this crisis became a reminder that in unfamiliar, even dangerous circumstances, we are able to call on reserves of physical and inner strength we didn’t know existed. As Expedition Leader for the One Way Adventure Foundation, I had assigned our three groups of leaders and young offenders to separate campsites on a bay on Isaac Lake. Less interaction between them meant less trouble. I had elected to travel with the girls group because their workers had little wilderness experience. After paddling all day, we had just set up our tents at the Betty Wendle site when we saw a canoe racing furiously toward us from Al’s camp, paddles flashing in the late sun. As they drew near, the two youths in the canoe shouted, “Al’s got a fish hook in his eye!” I called to Sandy, our nurse, “Let’s go!” We found Al propped against a tree. He had been fishing with one of the boys. The boy’s hook had got caught on something and when he pulled hard, it snapped free and lodged in Al’s eye. I left Al in Sandy’s care, a short length of line dangling from the hook. At the fire pit, his assistant was talking qui-

etly to the six boys. I told them I’d be going for help and Arnet was now their leader. I knew there was a Rangers’ cabin a considerable distance ahead. This was the most dangerous section of the circuit. There was also a cabin some distance back on Isaac Lake. No guarantee of a Ranger at either point though, and night among the mountains would be totally dark. I decided to return to the cabin we had passed that afternoon. A young man of about 20 from another group told me he was rested and offered to go with me. Concerned about the approaching darkness, we paddled hard across the bay to where Gordie was camped with five boys. My volunteer paddler now lost heart and I arranged for two of Gordie’s boys to return him. Ben, a sturdy young member of Gordie’s crew, volunteered to paddle with me. Ben was robust and resolute. Exchanging only occasional words, we paddled with determination, not sparing ourselves. Fortunately I had known that if an emergency arose, I’d need to be fit and had trained rigorously. After well over an hour of driving ourselves relentlessly, Ben gasped, “I think I see a motor boat!” The light was fading but as we drew closer, the cabin and boat came into focus. We had found a Ranger! I explained the crises and the Ranger said, “I’ll go right away. I can’t take your canoe though. It would slow me down.” With exhausted bodies we paddled in the growing darkness. At about 10 p.m. we saw the fire in Gordie’s camp.

After a brief chat, I returned alone to the canoe. In total darkness, I forgot the canoe wasn’t loaded. Higher in the water and less stable, it flipped in an instant as I was getting in. I was suddenly standing in frigid water up to my chest. Gordie and his boys rushed down from their camp and rescued me and the canoe. They loaned me clothes, including a jacket, and I set out again. The girls had retired to their sleeping bags and had let the campfire die. It was only because I recognized debris in the dark water that I found our camp. Meanwhile, Al, Sandy, and the Ranger

talked all night, and Al became reconciled to the possible loss of his eye. By the time a helicopter dropped down to pick him up in the morning, he was understandably shaky. A week later, back in Hedley, I saw Al. The helicopter had flown him to Prince George. Here a physician took one look and said, “Oh, this one will be easy.” I’ve reflected back many times on this Bowron Lakes episode. Both Ben and I found unrealized physical and inner strength. I hope that for Ben, it also helped him understand he has immense potential to accomplish much more than he had previously believed.

Breastfeeding in court isn’t disgusting – but it is uncomfortable Every so often a national or international news story hits home in a personal way. So it was last week, with the revelation that Donald Trump once accused a lawyer in open court of being “disgusting” because she needed to take a recess to breastfeed her baby, and underlined her point by reaching for her breast pump. Crazy that Trump, whose own lawyer recently stated there is no such thing as marital rape, has the audacity to call anyone out for “disgusting” behavior. It will be a sad day for CNN when Trump eventually drops out of the GOP race, akin to that letdown many felt when former Toronto mayor Rob Ford abandoned his re-election bid last year to enter hospital for cancer treatment. All coverage thereafter just seemed like it was in black and white. I have experience breastfeeding in court. While no one actually used the word “disgusting” much feeling was conveyed via facial expressions. The judge stomped out of the room announcing proceedings would recommence when I was “done doing whatever it is I had to do.” There was really no way to respond to that, except to explain to the fidgeting gentlemen who remained that there were two choices: we could feed the baby or we could listen to the baby cry. In a wildly unsuccessful attempt at easing the tension I confessed breastfeeding burns 500 calories a day and bringing the baby to court was just part of my daily post-delivery weight loss strategy. As often happens when one is in an uncomfortable position, time slowed to an injured crawl. Silence descended on the gathering like a large receiving blanket. The only reliefs were the earsplitting tick-tock of the grandfather clock in the corner and the occasional slurpy-noise. The judge popped his head in the room twice on reconnaissance and finally directed the clerk to let him know when it was safe to return. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Slurp. The day was not supposed to unfold this way. We were convened in mediation and I

was representing a newspaper in our firm that was being sued over an advertising mishap. It was not a substantial claim and the company didn’t feel the need to send down an expensive suit. The publisher could handle it, briefcase in one hand and diaper bag in the other. Before the mediation date there was some casual coaching from the legal team. Just be yourself, be open and have a sense of humor. Apparently there is such a thing as being “too open” and humor sometimes resides only in the eye of the beholder. This occurred several years and at least one baby ago, and societal attitudes towards breastfeeding in public have certainly improved. The world, however, remains imperfect. A few months ago moms staged a feed-in at a Kelowna mall to protest against a security guard who asked a woman – who was in

the food court no less – to stop nursing her child as it made other customers uncomfortable. If you’ve ANDREA DEMEER ever nursed, or had to refrain old dog from nursing a new tricks breastfeeding child for any length of time, you understand uncomfortable in a whole different way. Surprising that a culture which unreservedly celebrates the breasts of women like Katy Perry, Jessica Simpson and Kim Kardashian gets so squeamish when a mere

mortal female attempts to use the breast for the purposes it was actually intended – to nourish a child. Everyone would be happier for sure if breast milk came out of our elbows – elbow milk – as there would be no reminder how we sexualize breasts and breastfeeding in an inappropriate fashion. I think about that sometimes, when I’m driving along the highway and pass a man urinating beside his car on the side of the road. Good job he isn’t trying to breastfeed out there. A final thought for readers: if you are doing research for a project such as a newspaper column and quickly want the names of celebrities with large and well-known breasts, you are ill-advised to type those words into an internet search engine. Trust me on that.

Stay safe around dams Remember to stay safe this summer when visiting dams and around reservoirs

• Avoid fishing, boating and swimming above or below a dam. • Beware of floating debris and concealed hazards. • Use caution walking on slippery banks and shorelines. • Obey all warning signs and stay outside of restricted areas. For more safety tips, visit coopsafetyprogram.ca/damsafety. A message from the partners of the Cooperative Safety Program 15-142.9 06/2015

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